Mohra Muradu

Mohra Muradu is a Buddhist stupa and monastery complex set in a narrow side valley a few kilometres from the main Taxila sites. The monastery dates from the 2nd to 5th century AD and is one of the best-preserved examples of monastic architecture in the entire Taxila complex — cells, courtyards, and the main stupa platform are all clearly visible.

The site is quieter and less visited than Dharmarajika or Jaulian, which gives it a particular atmosphere. The surrounding landscape — small fields, a seasonal stream, the Margalla Hills in the background — has probably not changed as dramatically as the valley nearer Islamabad. Bring a picnic and allow time to simply sit in the monastery courtyard; there are worse places to spend an afternoon.

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The stupa from Mohra Muradu was dismantled stone by stone and reassembled inside the Taxila Museum, where it forms the centrepiece of the main gallery. This is one of the few cases anywhere in the world where an entire monument has been relocated inside a museum rather than left in situ — and for once, the result is justified: you can study the Gandhara carving on the drum at close range and in good light, which simply isn't possible at most outdoor sites.

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